Since 1975, the Kiwanis Club of Weston has worked to support worthy causes in the Community and surrounding areas through a combination of community service, philanthropy and assistance to youth and to citizens of all ages. Recent endeavors include increasing emphasis on programs to reach out to meet the needs of children and seniors on a broader regional basis

The club is one of the largest in New England. Membership is open to all men and women residing or working in Weston and neighboring towns.

Outreach Programs

Loading over 85,000 books plus bookcases, teaching materials, and equipment to establish libraries for schools on the islands of Tobago and Grenada. (A fellow Kiwanian has provided 12 libraries, 2 playgrounds, 3 computer centers and a golf program with instruction for over 100 children on the islands. Kiwanis together with Key Club members and Boy Scouts have assisted in this effort for the past 3 years.)

Providing major support for the Norwalk Hospital Pediatric Initiatives program and for Camp Sunshine (a camp for critically ill children and their parents.) These organizations have been primary beneficiaries of our Annual Weston Golf Classic.

Expanding the computer learning center at the South End Community Center in Bridgeport to extend after school skills improvement programs to a group of 400-500 children in Bridgeport and to serve others in the Bridgeport Community.

Funding a new furnace and equipment for Inter-faith Housing, an organization that provides housing for homeless individuals in surrounding communities. Kiwanis also provides volunteers to help improve and maintain facilities for Inter-faith Housing and at a home for mentally disadvantaged citizens.

Providing two in-home Telemedicine Personal Care Stations and numerous laptop computers for Nursing and Home Care that serves mid-Fairfield County. (Two Kiwanians also serve on the Board of this organization.)

Sponsoring a Pediatric Trauma Clinic to train 44 Fairfield County emergency workers. Another clinic is planned in 2006.

Programs for youth

Establishing the Youth Service Award to recognize youth who have made outstanding contributions to community service or to the enhancement of a sense of civility

Providing personnel to supervise Special Olympics for disabled youth in Fairfield County

Establishing partnerships with Scouts and with the High School Key Club for volunteer work to serve the community and for joint fund-raising.

Funding several scholarships each year (seven in 2005).

Sponsoring a program at the Weston schools on "Building a Caring Community" to reduce bullying and enhance civility.

Providing holiday gifts and equipment for the Children's Connection.

Setting up and operating children's games at the annual Historical Society Halloween Party.

Programs to enhance health and public safety

Providing several automatic external defibrillators for use in police, EMS and Fire Department emergency vehicles. Several lives have been saved as a direct result of this program and the Kiwanis initiative was featured in a news program on CT TV Channel 12.

Providing radios to enhance communications for two EMS ambulances.

Working in partnership with EMS in their Heartsmart program by providing financial support, volunteer manpower and joint fund-raising efforts.

Providing three GPS units and funding for a rescue boat for the Weston Volunteer Fire Department.

Sponsoring Family Safety Days to promote bicycle and car seat safety.

Conducting an annual Red Cross Blood Drive.

Providing Equipment for ADAP programs and funds for Parents Corps.

Other Ongoing Programs

Organizing and coordinating the annual Weston Green-up Day. Last April, over 100 youth joined in the cleanup effort and a Kiwanis badge was awarded to participating Scouts and other youth. The first Millie Best Environmental Award was given on Green-up Day to recognize an individual who has made significant contributions to enhancing the environment of our Town.

Splitting and delivering over 35 truckloads of firewood per year to provide wood to those in need and to raise funds for philanthropic causes.

Providing funding for seniors' programs, and emergency funds to aid Social Services in assisting those in need in Weston.

Assisting each year in running Westport/Weston First Night programs.

Conducting Food Drives each year. Several truckloads of food are collected for local food pantries in each drive.